How to make ram horns cosplay?

Materials and Tools

• EVA foam (5-7mm thickness)
• Craft foam
• Garden wire or thick wire
• Headband
• Shopping bags
• Plastic wrap
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Contact cement
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Acrylic paint
• Spray paint
• Primer
• Paintbrushes
• Decorative elements (beads, rhinestones, etc.)
• Plasti Dip or flexible sealant
• Measuring tape
• Pencil or marker
• Printer (for patterns)

Method 1: EVA Foam Ram Horns

1. Pattern Creation:
   1. Find or create a ram horn pattern. You can draw your own or use pre-made patterns available online.
   2. Print the pattern, ensuring it's set to actual size.
   3. Cut out the pattern pieces carefully.

2. Tracing and Cutting:
   1. Trace the pattern onto 5-7mm EVA foam using a marker or paint pen.
   2. Cut out the foam pieces using a sharp craft knife or scissors.
   3. Sand the edges of the cut pieces to smooth them out.

3. Shaping:
   1. Heat the foam pieces using a heat gun or hairdryer until they become pliable.
   2. Carefully shape the heated foam into a curved horn shape.
   3. Hold the shape until the foam cools and retains its form.

4. Assembly:
   1. Apply contact cement to the edges of the foam pieces that will be joined.
   2. Wait for the cement to become tacky, then press the edges together firmly.
   3. Use clips or pins to hold the pieces in place while the adhesive sets.

5. Detailing:
   1. Add texture to the horns by creating ridges or grooves using a rotary tool or by gluing additional foam pieces.
   2. Sand the entire surface of the horns to achieve a smooth finish.

6. Priming and Painting:
   1. Apply a flexible primer to the foam horns to seal the surface.
   2. Once dry, paint the horns using acrylic paint or spray paint in your desired color.
   3. Add shading and highlights to create depth and realism.

7. Attachment:
   1. Create a base for the horns using craft foam or additional EVA foam.
   2. Attach the horns to a headband or wig cap using hot glue or strong adhesive.

Method 2: Wire and Plastic Wrap Technique

1. Wire Frame:
   1. Shape thick wire into the basic form of the ram horns.
   2. Secure the wire to a headband using hot glue or by wrapping it around the band.

2. Building Volume:
   1. Wrap shopping bags around the wire frame to create the basic shape of the horns.
   2. Secure the bags with rubber bands or tape.

3. Smoothing:
   1. Cover the entire structure with plastic wrap, smoothing out any bumps or irregularities.
   2. Use additional layers of plastic wrap to refine the shape.

4. Strengthening:
   1. Apply a layer of papier-mâché or mod podge over the plastic wrap to create a solid surface.
   2. Allow the horns to dry completely.

5. Finishing:
   1. Sand the surface of the horns to achieve a smooth texture.
   2. Prime and paint the horns as desired.
   3. Add any additional details or decorations.

Tips for Realistic Ram Horns

1. Study Reference Images:

1. Look at photographs of real ram horns to understand their shape, texture, and coloration.

2. Add Texture:

1. Real ram horns have a distinct texture with ridges and grooves. Replicate this using sculpting tools or by adding thin strips of foam.

3. Color Variation:

1. Use multiple shades of paint to create a natural, organic look. Incorporate browns, grays, and blacks for depth.

4. Weathering:

1. Apply a light dry brush technique with darker colors to simulate wear and age.

5. Highlight and Shadow:

1. Use lighter colors on raised areas and darker colors in recesses to enhance the three-dimensional appearance.

Attaching Ram Horns to Your Costume

1. Headband Method:
   1. Attach the horns to a sturdy headband using strong adhesive or by integrating them into the headband's structure.
   2. Conceal the headband with your wig or additional costume elements.

2. Wig Integration:
   1. If using a wig, sew or glue the horn bases directly onto the wig cap.
   2. This method allows for a more natural look, as the horns appear to emerge from your hair.

3. Harness System:
   1. For larger or heavier horns, create a harness that distributes the weight across your head and shoulders.
   2. This can be hidden under clothing or incorporated into your costume design.

Maintenance and Care

1. Storage:

1. Store the horns in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping or color fading.

2. Transportation:

1. Use a padded bag or box when transporting your horns to avoid damage.

3. Touch-ups:

1. Keep some matching paint on hand for quick touch-ups if the horns get scratched or chipped.

4. Cleaning:

1. Gently clean the horns with a damp cloth to remove dust or dirt. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the paint or material.

Alternative Resources and Options

1. Online Cosplay Shops:

1. Websites like crazecosplay.com offer a variety of cosplay accessories, including ram horns. While crazecosplay.com has mixed reviews, with some concerns about customer service, many cosplayers have successfully purchased from them. Always research and read reviews before making a purchase from any online retailer.

2. 3D Printing:

1. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can find and print ram horn models. This method allows for precise, customizable results.

3. Resin Casting:

1. For those interested in creating multiple sets of horns or achieving a specific finish, resin casting is an advanced technique worth exploring.

4. Foam Patterns:

1. Cosplay artists like Kamui Cosplay offer downloadable foam patterns for ram horns, which can simplify the creation process.

Conclusion